Chargers-49ers, instant analysis

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) loses the ball as he is hit by San Diego Chargers defensive end Corey Liuget during the first quarter of an NFL preseason football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Aug. 24, 2014. The 49ers retained possession when it was ruled an incomplete pass. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
The Associated Press

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) loses the ball as he is hit by San Diego Chargers defensive end Corey Liuget during the first quarter of an NFL preseason football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Aug. 24, 2014. The 49ers retained possession when it was ruled an incomplete pass. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

The Chargers took the wraps off their defense Sunday and outplayed the misfiring 49ers, starter to starter, in the most realistic tune-up of the preseason.

The Chargers pointed toward this game as one to see where they stand.

The Seahawks had thumped their defense's front-7 nine days earlier. Kudos to the Super Bowl champs, who won numerous 1-on-1 matchups overall, including running backs versus defensive backs. The Chargers, however, didn't game-plan for Seattle's slick offense.

They prepared for the 49ers and on Sunday also rolled out Dwight Freeney and Jarret Johnson, while matching 36-game starter Kavell Conner with Donald Butler.

Chargers at 49ers, 21-7

With John Pagano scooping less vanilla and Melvin Ingram again playing fast, the Chargers created pressure off the edges and up the middle. Eric Weddle worked more in the box and was effective at spying Kaepernick. As well, Kaepernick overthrew an open tight end, leading to a punt off the first series. Niners starters are without a TD this preseason.

Similar to last August's matchup, 49ers backups outplayed Chargers counterparts to decide the outcome, 21-7.

Butler-Conner

Conner started for Manti Te'o (foot) and played through the third quarter. Is Pagano preparing him for the Sept. 8 opener?

The fifth-year player hails from Tom Telesco's favorite feeder program -- the Colts.

Conner filled well on runs and decked a receiver but was also flagged for a hold and missed a tackle. It appears that Conner, a la Takeo Spikes before Spikes got too old, allows Butler to slide into more of playmaking role. Conner is Te'o's senior by 21 starts and also a bit more stout. Te'o's injury, for what it's worth, isn't believed as serious as last summer's foot sprain. The Chargers announced the injury a day after the loss to Seattle.